A leather sofa is a simple, versatile, and functional way to bring personality and warmth into your home. For instance, we've long admired the '90s-inspired coziness of Katie Holmes's living room. Despite the presence of a record player and natural wood, it's her fawn-colored leather couch that brings the entire look together.
Holmes's gorgeous living room sofa is situated at the center of her space to the left of a round coffee table. It's been given room to breathe from the wall making the whole room feel larger and brighter. The inviting furniture piece has a wide base and a low back, leaning into the era of the room and conversational seating tactics. It's caramel-leather looks soft, broken in and well taken care of. It simultaneously makes the room feel more elevated and lived in.
Are leather couches still in style? The natural material is a staple of timeless design. Though black leather sofas have faded slightly from popularity, warm neutrals like Holmes's are going strong.
Its enduring popularity is largely because the natural texture of a leather sofa fits in easily with the rustic modern interior design trend. Zlatka Dimitrova, home improvement expert, describes the trend stating: 'The rustic modern trend blends the warmth and charm of rustic, natural materials with the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of modern design. It often combines features like reclaimed wood, stone, and organic textures with sleek finishes, neutral color palettes, and contemporary furnishings. The goal is to create a balanced environment that feels cozy yet sophisticated. It draws inspiration from nature while incorporating modern comforts and technologies.'
Where does leather fit in? Dimitrova says it's essential for adding texture in this design style. 'While rustic design leans towards more rugged textures, modern design incorporates sharp, clean lines. Textured elements like leather, wool, and linen add warmth and depth, and sleek, simple furniture contrasts the organic roughness of natural materials.'
Beyond their looks, leather sofas have emerged as a timeless classic because of how durable they are. Sam Deeble, Furniture Specialist, states, 'Leather sofas are favored for their easy-to-clean material.' Rather than removing an unwieldly slip cover and getting stains out in the washing machine, it only takes one step to clean a leather couch. Deeble recommends: 'Use a leather cleaner designed for leather sofas or a mixture of mild dish soap and water with a microfiber cloth to gently clean the upholstery. This will protect the leather while effectively cleaning the surface, ensuring your sofa remains in top condition.'
Shop The Look
If you love the look of a leather sofa but are stunned by the price point, vegan leather is a great alternative. These high-quality options are the best vegan leather sofas of the year, as chosen by H&G's shopping writers.
Modern but with an industrial edge, this simple couch is clean, elegant, and versatile. Sustainability is at the heart of this design: the leather is crafted from leftover apple fibers and cotton and the pillows are filled with PET synthetic-down. Even the hardwood frame is all 100% FSC-certified.
Potentially one of my favorite couches, this distressed faux-leather sofa is ultra-premium. It's crafted from solid oak with angled dowels and rolled arms, cultivating a vintage, minimalist aesthetic.
An excellent option for larger living rooms, this modular couch is easy to tailor to suit your space. I love the symmetrical, reversible design, which is crafted from durable faux leather. It's tear- and water-resistant, so perfect for family life. The plump cushions and coiled springs are also sag-resistant.
To emulate Holme's modern rustic styling, try pairing your new brown leather sofa with natural wood. The two textured materials pair beautifully for a lived-in and unique feel. This sofa choice would also pair beautifully with a textured or shag rug for an extra inviting feel.
Leather instantly makes a space feel more elevated, and Katie Holmes's living room is no exception. How will you be using the material in your own home?
